(TL/N: Sorry for the delay, i hit the traffic and forgot to upload early T_T)
"Hu…"
A bitter cold wind howled through the cavern. Accompanied by heavy footsteps, a figure clad in blue armor walked into the cave. He held a crimson broken blade in his hand, and his silver-white eyes were filled with icy indifference and aloofness.
Crack.
With the sound of ice shattering, the Abyss Herald Frostfall broke free from the frozen prison and dropped to the ground. His gaze locked onto the intruder with burning battle intent. As someone who wielded Cryo power himself, being frozen by the opponent's cold was utterly humiliating.
"You have succeeded in angering me, human! Freeze All Worlds!"
A massive frost shield enveloped the Herald. Then he raised his weapon and charged toward the knight at the entrance. Unlike the twin-blade Hydro Heralds, Cryo Heralds wielded a single sword.
They were not only powerful attackers but had a broad attack range and could even strike from afar with ice spikes.
"Even the Lone Wolf of the North Wind learns to protect his companions eventually."
The unfamiliar knight lowered his stance, preparing to strike. The broken blade in his hand hummed like a frigid wind. Just as the enemy launched his attack, a massive wave of frost-imbued sword energy surged forward, faster than the Herald could react.
Boom.
The entire cave trembled from the terrifying sword aura. The Abyss Herald was blasted uncontrollably into the distant wall, leaving behind a deep, human-shaped crater.
"Cough… A human with this kind of power is extremely rare. Who are you?"
"No… that weapon in your hand is…"
"Impossible. That man should already be dead."
Lying inside the crater, the Herald muttered to himself. He knew every powerful fighter in Mondstadt, but the man before him triggered no memories. That was, until he noticed the crimson weapon. Only then did he remember that Mondstadt once had someone who used a red greatsword… but that man should have died long ago.
The blue-armored knight looked at the enemy he blasted away and nodded. "Your attack is decent, and being able to suppress a similar element is good. But your power is a bit unstable. Forget it. I'll end this quickly."
He plunged the broken blade into the ground. Frosty white mist spread across the entire cave.
Although his vision was obscured, the Abyss Herald still rushed forward. This was their stronghold. If it was destroyed, their entire plan against Mondstadt would be affected. But as he moved, the winds around him hindered his advance.
"A mere storm cannot obstruct our plan! Taste the instant of absolute frost!"
Countless wind blades struck him, but he did not retreat. He forced his way through using his shield, charging straight toward the blue knight. His ice-blue blade lit up. This would be his killing blow.
But when his sword aura struck the blue knight, the figure dissolved into an afterimage and vanished.
"This technique is called Cloudrise Mirage. It creates a short illusion… though I know you don't understand that."
The voice came from behind the Herald. The blue knight's features melted rapidly like flowing mercury. In his place appeared someone Eula knew very well, Su Han.
A blast of scorching flames mixed with golden light punched into the body of the Abyss Herald Frostfall. After the first strike hit, Su Han didn't stop. He only attacked more ferociously, swinging his sword without restraint.
The Herald, whose shield had already been broken by the sneak attack, didn't even have time to counter. He was battered until his whole body was covered in wounds.
"You shameless man!!"
"Heh. Correct. I've never been ashamed. And let me add something. The last idiot who tried to sneak attack me didn't bother with shame either."
Su Han took the insult as a compliment and didn't pause his assault. Within a few breaths, the enemy was nearly finished. To avoid complications, he aimed the final strike directly at the Herald's head.
Even if Abyss creatures had strong vitality, he refused to believe one could survive without a head.
Only now did the Herald fully realize who ambushed him, it was the man wanted by His Highness the Prince.
"Golden light… So that's how it is. Cough… too bad… too bad…"
The Herald tried to speak further, but before he could finish, his eyes dimmed completely.
After the battle ended, Su Han sat down and exhaled deeply. He could kill an Abyss Herald, yes, but fighting for long periods was still tiring. That was the price of lacking deep foundations.
"Fortunately, I snuck out yesterday and stole a bit of faith power. Otherwise this battle would've been troublesome."
Thinking about his trip to the Temple of the North Wind, Su Han chuckled. The Divinity Mask was pretty useless before being enhanced, but after upgrading it, it became surprisingly handy.
For example, he had disguised himself as the North Wind Knight just now to strike by surprise. The enemy assumed Su Han used Cryo, but in truth his power was fire, which allowed the final explosive kill.
But Mondstadt's offerings and prayers were not enough yet, so the power he could absorb was very limited. The mask's energy ran dry after only a few techniques.
Still, he had to admit, the Divinity Mask was quite fun.
After a short rest, Su Han walked to Eula. Seeing her pale face, he asked, "How's your body? Any serious injuries?"
"I'm alright. Take the others out first. Their strength is too low. They won't last. I'll be fine for now."
"My apologies, but I think you are the one who needs attention the most."
Ignoring Eula's protest, Su Han simply picked her up and started walking out.
Eula was stunned. Weren't people supposed to prioritize protecting the weak? Why was Su Han breaking every rule?
"Do… do you even understand priorities?"
Su Han raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Is that how you speak to your benefactor?"
That line choked her instantly. She couldn't refute it at all. He was her savior, and not even someone from Mondstadt. He could do whatever he wanted. She had no authority to object.
After holding it in for a long time, Eula squeezed out a few words. "Thank you… but could you set me down and save them first?"
"That's not impossible. Wait here."
A strange idea suddenly popped into Su Han's mind. He ran back into the cave. A moment later, Eula saw a ridiculous scene. Su Han did indeed bring the others out, but they were tied to his belt. He was dragging them behind him like luggage.
Such a bizarre method was something she would never have imagined even in her dreams.
"Alright. We can leave now."
Su Han picked Eula up once more and ran toward the exit. Behind him, the others were dragged along across the ground. It looked terrible, but at least they were all getting out together.
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